Apple and Epic Clash Over Fees for External App Store Purchases
Photo: The Verge
Quick answer
Apple proposed a 15% fee for external purchases in the App Store, but Epic Games disputes the rate, citing a court ruling. The dispute centers on acceptable app monetization terms outside Apple's ecosystem.
Apple and Epic Games are once again at the center of a legal dispute, this time over the fees for purchases made via external links in apps. According to documents filed by Apple, the company acknowledged that a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling could allow for a 0% fee on such transactions. However, Apple proposed alternative rates: 15% for most developers and 5% for participants in its small business support program.
Epic Games called Apple's proposed terms unreasonable and beyond judicial recommendations. The company is preparing formal objections backed by expert testimony, with a two-month window to respond before the court issues a final ruling.
The dispute between the companies touches on critical aspects of app monetization and control over the App Store ecosystem. The outcome will determine whether developers can offer users alternative payment methods without significant financial losses.
Common questions
- Why are Apple and Epic Games arguing over fees?
- The dispute revolves around Apple's proposed 15% fee for purchases made through external links in apps, which Epic Games considers excessive.
- What fees did Apple propose?
- Apple suggested a 15% fee for standard apps and a 5% fee for small business participants for transactions outside the App Store.
- What has the court ruled on this issue?
- The Ninth Circuit Court previously indicated that a 0% fee could be acceptable, but Apple insists on its proposed terms.
Dzen feed: /feed/dzen.xml · RSS: /feed.xml